File Backup vs. Disk Image Backup

There are two main approaches to backing up your computer - selectively backing up files and folders or imaging your entire hard drive. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

File level backup lets you focus on saving irreplaceable data and reduces the space needed to store the backup. In the event of a disaster you'll need to reinstall your operating system before you can restore data. You also need to be careful to ensure that all of your data is included in the backup.

A disk image includes everything on your hard drive - the operating system, applications and your data. You know that you're fully covered but at the expense of space and time. You can also run into trouble if you need to restore to a new computer as a disk image will also restore drivers and settings for the original computer.

Like all online backup software Cucku takes the first approach - we backup the files that you can't replace. You can always reinstall Windows and your applications and if necessary you can buy a new computer. Your personal data is different and you need both local and remote backup - belt and braces - to ensure that it's protected.

Personally I relish the chance to reinstall my computer. Over time you build up Windows cruft, applications you no longer run, setting and registry errors and other problems that slow your computer down. When I buy a new computer I start by reinstalling the OS to get rid of the various bundled applications (and to make sure I know how to get it up and running in case I need to recover the system later).

Which backup philosophy do you prefer? Do you think there's a place for disk images in online backup?

(Updated June 17, 2009: Join the discussion on Facebook.)

posted by Rob on Monday, June 15, 2009

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